"Flat roofs are much more likely to leak than sloped roofs, unless you take special precautions.  Here are quick hints on how to make yours last longer."

Frank Rogers
President of Leakmaster Roofing and Waterproofing

Johns Mansville Appex 4.5, U.S. Intec Brai GB-SP4

Pros:

• A strong, sturdy membrane which is hard to tear, because it is reinforced with a thick polyester mat.  Proven durability in Hawaii for over 15years.
• Less expensive than other single plies (like EPDM or TPO) yet longer lasting than roof coatings, if applied correctly.
• Safe to walk on as long as you don't gouge it with a sharp object.
• Easy to repair.  If you decide later you want to add a skylight, or a second floor, it's not a problem to tie it in.
• White granules reflect the hot Hawaiian sun, keeping you cooler.
• If you don't mind spending extra, you can get a 10, 12, 15, or 20 year Manufacturer's Warranty which can cover you even if your roofer goes out of business. 

 Cons:

• I don't like the thin, cheaper versions that are mopped on with hot asphalt, such as Brai Ultra Cap 730 and others which don't have a thick polyester mat.  They tear too easily and their SBS asphalt causes them to crack prematurely.  Stick to the torch applied types only.
• These systems are best if put down by a Factory Authorized Installer (which Leakmaster is), because they can be tricky if you're not experienced with them. 

Leakmaster's Bottom Line:
We like torch applied systems a lot, much more so than Single Ply EPDM or TPO.  We've been putting these down for almost 20 years, and they are durable.  However, if your funds are limited, you can save money by going with a good waterproof coating instead, with occasional maintenance through out the years.
 

United Coatings Roofmate, Aldo Butyl Coating, NeoGard Urethane Coating

Pros:

• More affordable than any other system, especially the Acrylic (Water Based) Coatings.
• Some coating manufacturers will give up to a 10 year Warranty if installed by a Factory Approved Contractor, and at the proper thickness.
• The bright white coating can lower the surface temperature of a roof by as much as 90% on a hot day.  Large savings in your AC costs can often pay for the systems.
• Ongoing business operations are not disturbed by having to tear off the old roof.
• Easy to maintain through out the years. You can fix the leaky part of your house now, and the rest as the money rolls in.   You can easily see if a split occurs in the coating, and it can be repaired with a polyester fabric.

Cons:

• If you have heavy ponding water, you should first consider sloping your roof deck (an expensive proposition).   A torch applied system is also effective against heavy ponding.
• Moderate ponding can be handled by using a Urethane or Butyl based coating, which is more expensive than the Acrylic coating.
• More than any other system, you need to make sure that it is put down thick enough.  Deceptions are common.  Have the Manufacturer come out and test for proper thickness and approve the job.

Leakmaster's bottom line:
"Coatings are great in the proper circumstance.  They are the wave of the future, especially because the technology is getting better every year.  As conventional roofing keeps rising in price, and dump fees skyrocket, people are saving a lot of money by using coatings, and keeping their buildings cooler."
 

Carlisle EPDM,  Firestone EPDM

Pros: 

• Great for large buildings, such as a Toyota factory, where you have large areas, uninterrupted by AC equipment, Solar, and the like.
• Manufacturers will give up to a 20 year Warranty on their systems if properly installed.
• White surfaced membranes reflect the hot Hawaiian sun.
• They can stand up well to ponding water, if the seams are tight.

Cons:

• These are expensive systems which can be extremely tricky to install.
• In Hawaii, most of our roofs are small with a lot of AC type equipment on them, which encourages leaks with these types of systems.
• The seams have an annoying tendency to come loose over the years, and often need to be redone with new waterproofing materials.
• Some of the materials can be easily punctured by a tradesman, and if the puka is in a low lying area, it can suck in water and be hard to find.

Leakmaster's Bottom Line:
"Unless you are a large commercial concern, these are usually more trouble than they are worth.  I put down some of the first systems in Hawaii, in the early 80's, but soon abandoned them when torch applied systems came on the market.  For much less money, I felt they offered the more hassle free experience."
 

Pitch and Gravel

Pros: 

• I'm hard pressed to find much positive to say about these products.  I don't even like the modified bitumen systems, like the Brai Ultra Cap 730 and other SBS asphalt products, because they crack easily in our Hawaiian sun.  However, they are a little cheaper than the torch applied products, so you can save some money.

Cons:

• Let's start with smelly.  I used to put down lots of "hot" in the old days.  When I sold my kettle, it was one of the happiest days of my life.
• The gravel, besides attracting heat from the sun, also obscures what's going on underneath the surface.  It makes repairing these roofs a real pain.  That translates into more expense for you.
• Makes your home look cheap and unattractive.

Leakmaster's Bottom Line:
"Let's move on.  I'm getting depressed just writing about this."